Description

CityLab Academy is now closed. Thank you for visiting our legacy page.  Please see the Biomed Program, which is currently active. 

CityLab Academy was a FREE two-semester, college-level program in biotechnology and biomedical science at Boston University. The program served as a transition year for students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in science while providing the foundation and hands-on experience necessary to join the research workforce.

After successful completion of four courses and a two-week internship, students received a Certificate in Biomedical Laboratory Science twelve undergraduate college credits from Metropolitan College.  Students were provided with a full scholarship for the twelve credits and also received a scientific calculator, and textbooks.

CityLab Academy students took academic and laboratory courses with other undergraduate BU students in the Biomed Program. Academy students received tutoring, learned study skills, and were mentored by a graduate student studying in the medical sciences.

What Did We Do?

CityLab Academy prepared students for laboratory jobs in a biotechnology company, medical center, or hospital. Students learned fundamental lab skills in both semesters, and, during the spring semester, students completed a two-week, full-time internship in a research or hospital lab on the BU Medical Campus.  The Academy staff helped graduates find an entry-level job or internship in the thriving biotechnology industry in Massachusetts.

Opening Doors

Since many biomedical companies and medical centers offer tuition assistance, students were encouraged to continue their college education in the Biomed program at BU or at another institution of higher learning. The success of CityLab Academy was measured by the success of the students in acquiring a job and furthering their education.

Committed to Diversity

The Academy was specifically designed for economically and academically disadvantaged individuals who might otherwise have  been excluded from the opportunities afforded by the growing biotechnology industry.  CityLab Academy was very diverse: of the 46 students who attended the program from 2004 to 2006, 17 (37%) were Black or African-American; 13 (28%) were Latino/a, 5 (11%) were Asian and 11 (24%) were Caucasian.

Program Components

Classes were held Monday through Thursday in the evenings (5:30 – 8:30 PM) from September to May. On three of the evenings, students were in courses:

FALL
Medical Terminology – 2 credits
Introduction to Biomedical Laboratory Sciences – 4 credits

SPRING
Biotechnology – 2 credits
Cell Culture Techniques – 4 credits

On the fourth evening, students were in Seminar during which they learned study skills and  job preparation skills such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search strategies.  Seminar also included guest speakers and tours of the medical center.

Internship

During the spring semester, students participated in a two-week (80 hours) laboratory internship at a laboratory either at BUMC or another institution. Students were exposed to a “real” lab environment and broaden their understanding of laboratory science, using the skills they had learned in their courses. At the conclusion of the spring semester, students presented their internship experience at a poster session. This internship experience helped build the student resume and assists in the job search.

The Job Search

Examples of companies and other institutions that have hired CityLab Academy graduates include:

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Genzyme
• BiogenIdec
• Novartis
• Boston University Medical Center
• Quest Diagnostics
• Shire Pharmaceuticals
• Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories
• Children’s Hospital

Email us at biomed@bu.edu with questions.